Tomorrow: Iowans To Call on Sen. Grassley To Stop ‘Blue Slip Blues’

Iowans To Sing ‘Blue Slip Blues’ Outside Grassley’s Des Moines Office To Encourage Judiciary Chair To Confirm Support Of Senate Tradition He Has Supported In The Past

DES MOINES — Iowans will call on Senator Grassley to uphold the ‘blue slip’ process for judicial nominees at a demonstration on Tuesday, June 20th, at 12:00 PM outside the federal building in downtown Des Moines. Everyday Iowans will be joined by the ‘Raging Grannies’ for a performance of ‘Blue Slip Blues’ (sung to the tune of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’).

Senator Chuck Grassley has suggested in recent weeks that as Chair of the Judiciary Committee he may give more deference to blue slips when it comes to district court nominations than circuit court nominations, inaccurately claiming that this has “historically” happened. And there have also been suggestions from a variety of senators about their desire to move away from the blue slip custom. Ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Dianne Feinstein, has requested that the blue-slip process continue, with home-state Senators approving judicial nominees. Feinstein has further explained that blue-slips were used consistently for both district and circuit court nominees throughout the Obama administration under Democratic and Republican leadership.

The Why Courts Matter Iowa coalition is focused on ensuring that the federal judiciary is representative of America’s diverse population and ending the judicial vacancy crisis so that every American can have his or her day in court. Why Courts Matter Iowa is led by Iowa Citizen Action Network, Americans for Democratic Action Iowa, Progress Iowa, and One Iowa. For more information, visit www.WhyCourtsMatterIowa.org.